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Cape Sounio Temple Of Poseidon Half Day Private Tour

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Most people think that the beautiful Greek coasts lay only on the Greek Islands, this tour is to prove the exact opposite. The tour begins with a drive along the coastline known as the Athenian Riviera and the southern suburbs. Passing through some of the uptown suburbs of Athens (Glyfada, Voula, Vouliagmeni, Varkiza) and making a first stop at the Vouliagmeni Lake, a mineral – therapeutic – natural lake.

We will continue our drive along with more isolated but charismatic areas with a breathtaking view of the Saronic Gulf bringing us to be the archaeological site of Cape Sounio, the southeastern edge of the Attica peninsula.

Just as you enter the site you will see the outstanding Temple of Poseidon, the ancient Greek god of the sea, surrounded by the remains of the fornication, the gateway porticos, and houses. Close by you will also see the remains of the temple Athena Souniada.

Apart from the unique location and the archaeological interest, Cape Sounio is also known for its breathtaking sunset and view of the Greek Islands. It is considered as one of the most romantic places in Greece. The place Lord Byron wrote about and treasured. Next on the menu, lunch. We will drive towards a traditional Greek tavern by the water which serves fresh fish straight from the sea. And after that a relaxing drive back to Athens.

Inclusions - Exclusions

Private Tours are personal and flexible just for you and your party.

Inclusions:

Bottled water

Professional Drivers with Deep knowledge of history. [Not licensed to accompany you in any site.]

Escorting teachers during the visits of schools and institutions of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary education and of military schools.

Members of Societies and Associations of Friends of Museums and Archaeological Sites throughout Greece with the demonstration of certified membership card

Members of the ICOM-ICOMOS

Persons possessing a free admission card

The employees of the Hellenic Ministry of Culture and Sports and the Archaeological Receipts Fund, upon presentation of their service ID card.

The official guests of the Greek government, with the approval of the General Director of Antiquities.

Young people, under the age of 18, after demonstrating the Identity Card or passport to confirm the age.

Free admission days:

6 March (in memory of Melina Mercouri)

18 April (International Monuments Day)

18 May (International Museums Day)

The last weekend of September annually (European Heritage Days)

Every first Sunday from November 1st to March 31st

28 October

Reduced admission for:

Greek citizens and citizens of other Member – States of the European Union who are over 65 years old, upon presentation of their ID card or passport for verification of their age and country of origin.

Holders of a solidarity card

Holders of a valid unemployment card.

Large families’ parents of children up to 23 yrs old, or up to 25 yrs old (on military service/studying), or child with disabilities regardless the age, having a certified pass of large families, certification from the Large Family Association or a family status certificate issued by the Municipality

Persons with disabilities (67 % or over) and one escort, upon presentation of the certification of disability issued by the Ministry of Health or a medical certification from a public hospital, where the disability and the percentage of disability are clearly stated.

Single-parent families with minors, upon presentation of a family status certificate issued by the Municipality. In the case of divorced parents, only the parent holding custody of the children

The police officers of the Department of Antiquity Smuggling of the Directorate of Security

Tourist guides upon presentation of their professional ID card.

University students and students at Technological Educational Institutes or equivalent schools from countries outside the EU by showing their student ID.

History

Sounio (Temple of Poseidon):

The Ancient Greeks certainly knew how to choose a site for a temple. Nowhere is this more evident than at Cape Sounion, 70km south of Athens, where the Temple of Poseidon stands on a cliff that plunges 65m down to the sea. Built-in 444 BCE – at the same time as the Parthenon – it is constructed of local marble from Agrilesa, its slender columns, of which 16 remain, are Doric. It is thought that the temple was built by Iktinos, the architect of the Temple of Hephaestus in Athens’ Ancient Agora.

It looks gleaming white when viewed from the sea, which gave great comfort to sailors in ancient times: they knew they were nearly home when they saw the first glimpse of white, far off in the distance. The views from the temple are equally impressive: on a clear day, you can see Kea, Kythnos, and Serifos to the southeast, and Aegina and the Peloponnese to the west. The site also contains scant remains of a propylaeum, a fortified tower and, to the northeast, a 6th-century temple to Athena. Visit early in the morning before the tourist buses arrive, or head there for sunset to enact Byron’s lines from Don Juan:

‘Place me on Sunium’s marbled steep

Where nothing save the waves and me

May hear our mutual murmurs sweep.’

Byron was so impressed by Sounion that he carved his name on one of the columns.

There are a couple of tavernas just below the site – perfect for lunch.

Cancellation Policy

Firstly and most importantly, ALL CANCELLATIONS MUST BE CONFIRMED BY Olive Sea Travel.

Regarding Day Tours, Cancellation 24 hours before your service date is 100% refundable.

Policy:

As Licensed Tour Guides and Hotels are external cooperators, they have their own cancellation policy.

Apart from the above cancellation limits, NO refunds will be made. If though, you fail to make your appointment for reasons that are out of your hands, that would be, in connection with the operation of your airline or cruise ship or strikes, extreme weather conditions or mechanical failure. You WILL be refunded 100% of the paid amount.

Let it be noted that, if your cancellation date is over TWO (2) months away from your reservation date, It has been known for third-party providers such as credit card companies, PayPal, etc. to charge a levy fee usually somewhere between 2-4%.

Olive Sea reserves the right to cancel your booking at any time, when reasons beyond our control arise, such as strikes, prevailing weather conditions, mechanical failures, etc. occur. In this unfortunate case, you shall be immediately notified via the email address you used when making your reservation and your payment WILL be refunded 100%.